Statue of Jan Smuts, Parliament Square facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Statue of Jan Smuts |
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The statue in 2013
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| Artist | Jacob Epstein |
| Medium | Bronze sculpture |
| Subject | Jan Smuts |
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
| 51°30′03″N 0°07′37″W / 51.50087°N 0.12690°W | |
The statue of Jan Smuts is a life-size bronze sculpture. It was created by a British artist named Jacob Epstein. You can find it in Parliament Square in London, United Kingdom. It stands between statues of two other important figures, Lord Palmerston and David Lloyd George.
What the Statue Looks Like
This statue shows Jan Smuts wearing his military uniform. He was a very high-ranking officer, like a field marshal. The statue looks like he is walking, leaning forward with one leg in front. It stands on a base made of granite stone. This stone came all the way from South Africa. On the base, you can read his name and the years he lived: JAN CHRISTIAN SMUTS 1870–1950.
The Story Behind the Statue
After Winston Churchill became prime minister in 1951, he suggested building a statue for Smuts. Smuts had passed away in 1950, and Churchill wanted to remember him. The statue was officially shown to the public in November 1956. Churchill was not well enough to do it himself. So, William Morrison, who was the Speaker of the House of Commons, unveiled it instead. In 1970, the statue was named a Grade II listed building. This means it is an important historical structure.
